Wilderness First Aid Training with Laura Hand and Isabel Chavez – G25040301
Please note: this course requires 8 hours of on-line, self-paced training which must be completed before the in-person training. An on-line exam is given AFTER both parts of the course are completed. Links will be sent upon registration.
A Wilderness First Aid or WFA certification is an introductory course to wilderness medicine. This 16-hour course is designed for interested people who have little or no experience in first aid or wilderness medicine. It is recommended for individuals who enjoy the backcountry, are responsible for others while in the backcountry, professional guides, etc. The course provides scenarios in basic outdoor emergency medicine practices such as environmental concerns (heat, sun, cold, insects), airway management, breathing emergencies, and circulatory problems. Included are common medical emergencies such as anaphylaxis, asthma, seizures, sprains/strains, and wound care. WFA focuses on trauma with in-depth discussions and hands-on training in splinting, bleeding control, and wound management.
This WFA course includes topics such as evacuation, litter construction, backcountry communications, and decision-making.
A Wilderness First Aid certification is valid for 2 years.
Instructors
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Laura HandLaura Hand is the Outdoor Adventures and Wellness Manager at Ghost Ranch. She carries over 30 years of personal training, outdoor safety and wellness practices and public education experience. Laura has a BS in Outdoor Education/Kinesiology, and an MA in Education.
Laura specializes in developing curriculum and activities that provide enjoyable, informational, and meaningful growth experiences for all participants. Sharing her experience, knowledge, and joy of safely moving through the outdoor environment is her passion.
Because safety is at the forefront of all life adventures, Laura is certified and practices first aid skills, including Basic First Aid, CPR, Wilderness First Aid, and Wilderness First Responder.
When not working, Laura enjoys spending outside time with her teenage children who have grown up way too fast!
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Isabel ChavezIsabel Chavez (she/her) is a born and raised New Mexican. She spent her youth exploring Ghost Ranch, led Youth Programming during the Ranch’s College Staff program and is now the Youth Programs Manager with the Ghost Ranch Programs and Events department. She also serves as the Ghost Ranch Safety Coordinator, spearheading the Safety Committee and organizing safety and emergency preparedness training interdepartmentally.
Isabel holds a BS in Human Biology and certificates in Wilderness First Responder and CPR. She is also a certified instructor for Wilderness First Aid. Her background lies in Social Services and she is driven by a deep passion for service and life-long learning. She believes in the power of small actions and community, and strives to build inclusive, diverse, and values-based opportunities for youth and adults alike, where all find growth and connection to themselves, each other and the outdoors.
In her free time, you can find her reading and cuddling with her dog, attempting a fiber arts project, or adventuring outside.